Mission:
To foster, through community service and social action, a student movement at the University of Michigan that thoughtfully addresses the challenges we face as a society.
Guiding Principles:
Although all of our programs are different and constantly evolving, they are all grounded in these five guiding principles which remains the driving force behind all of the work we do.
Social Change
Our primary goal is to work toward a more just and peaceful society and toward an end to the social problems and issues that we face. Our vision is of a community that values children and the elderly, provides a quality education and health care to all, respects all people equally, protects the environment, and is free of violence, hunger, homelessness, AIDS, poverty, and racism.
Student Leadership
SERVE is coordinated by the SERVE Leadership Teams and their site leaders, which are composed entirely of students. They are responsible for developing and implementing all of our programs and services as well as determining the directions and priorities of SERVE. We believe student voice and leadership is essential in building this movement toward social change.
Empowerment
We strive to empower students to work toward real solutions to community problems through their involvement in community service and social action. We also commit ourselves to organizations that empower the communities and individuals with whom we work.
Working Together
In order to address social issues, we must work together with all who are committed to social change. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive campus movement; to networking and collaborating, both locally and nationally, with others (especially other young people) who are working to solve these issues; and to working with faculty, staff, community agencies, and community members to build quality service experiences and to address community needs.
Heightening Awareness
Our response to social problems is dependent upon our educating ourselves and others about those issues. We are committed to raising awareness of social issues both on campus and in the larger community.
